(WEST PALM BEACH, FL)  -- As the number of uninsured residents in Palm Beach County continues to increase, FoundCare Health Center celebrated its first anniversary last week having provided healthcare services to more than 1,200 new patients at a value of nearly $700,000 in treatment during its first year of operation.  The nonprofit health center marked its one-year milestone with a community open house and free health fair at its 2330 South Congress Avenue location in West Palm Beach to introduce even more patients to its comprehensive healthcare services.

Activities at Thursday’s open house and health fair included free seasonal and H1N1 flu shots for adults and children; free blood pressure screenings; free vaccine checks; free eligibility screening for Florida KidCare, Medicaid and Health Care District insurances; and free refreshments, massages and entertainment for children. 

In response to the tragedy in Haiti, the Open House also offered its first Creole Bereavement Support Group.  FoundCare Health Center providers are fluent in Spanish and French Creole and Creole speaking therapists were on hand to facilitate. The center staff anticipates that this will be an ongoing meeting.

            In addition to marking the birthday with a free health fair, staff at FoundCare also announced that they will offer extended hours of operation on two Thursdays each month -- continuing their normal 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. day until 7 p.m. every other Thursday.

            “With three service providers and additional hours,
we should be able to significantly increase the number of
new patients we see in 2010,” said Yolette Bonnet, chief executive officer for FoundCare Health Center.  “We have capacity in this building to see nearly 10,000 patient visits each year.  But we still need to secure additional funding to maximize the use of this state-of-the-art home for healthcare with even more providers and equipment as well.”

            Thanks to tremendous support from private donors, government grants and a recent gift from the Quantum Foundation, FoundCare Health Center patients receive affordable access to quality health care and preventive services, regardless of their ability to pay.  Another
$450,000 grant from Quantum last week brought that foundation’s total gifts to FoundCare since inception to nearly $1.5 million -- making them FoundCare’s largest
donor to date.

 “Quantum’s mission has always been to advance health, education and community betterment for the residents of Palm Beach County,” said Jeannette Corbett, acting president of Quantum.  “Our mission aligns perfectly with FoundCare’s goals to provide quality health care for those who need it most in our area. Over and over again we hear the stories of those who felt they had nowhere to turn to get the medical treatment they so desperately needed and today are healthier because of FoundCare’s doctors, nurses and staff. That is an incredible return on our investment in this clinic.”

When fully operational, the FoundCare Health Center will be a full-service health center.  This “one-stop shop” will continue to offer primary care and preventive services including medical diagnosis and treatment.  Dental and pharmacy services will be added in the future.  In addition, FoundCare staff already includes referral specialists to help patients access the specialty medical and social services that they need.

“With the gracious support of Quantum Foundation and other donors, we’ve been able to initiate core services while readying to apply for federal support as a Federally Qualified Health Center,” said Bonnet. “FoundCare will continue serve all patients -- including the uninsured and underinsured. Celebrating our first year with a free health fair was a momentous milestone in our long-term strategy to achieve sustainability and secure this important resource for the community.”

Of FoundCare’s 1,200 new patients, 77 percent did not have any health insurance, and they visited FoundCare an average of nearly three times each for health concerns ranging from Hypertension to Diabetes, Infectious Disease, Asthma, Obesity, Women’s Health and other specialty care. Nearly 75 percent have incomes below the federal poverty level and they range in age from infant to 84-years-old.  Nearly two-thirds are female.

“Patients accessing Foundcare services often have multiple medical diagnosis that have previously not been diagnosed,” said Bonnet.  “Or if patients had been diagnosed for treatment, many have stopped taking needed medications because they have no way to afford to see a physician or to pay for the medications.  They are amazed at the level of care provided at FoundCare and the assistance we’re able to give them to secure referral services and access programs.  It’s incredibly rewarding.” 

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the Center’s services, please call FoundCare Health Center at 561.HEALTHY (561.432.5849)